Listen below:
What is the balance between supporting multilingual learners while still providing access to rigorous, grade-level instruction?
In this replay episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we revisit an insightful conversation with literacy experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez about supporting multilingual learners in today’s classrooms. As the number of multilingual learners continues to grow across the country, it’s more important than ever for teachers to understand how language development and literacy instruction work together.
Throughout this episode, Jana and Jeanette challenge common misconceptions about what supporting multilingual learners looks like and explain why the shift from the term English language learner (ELL) to multilingual learner (MLL) is more than just a change in terminology. You’ll learn how recognizing students’ linguistic strengths and cultural assets can positively impact instruction and student outcomes.
We also explore the difference between conversational language and academic language, why academic language is critical for supporting multilingual learners with reading comprehension and academic success, plus how teachers can intentionally support language development across all content areas. Jana and Jeanette share research-backed insights that demonstrate multilingual learners do not need to fully master English before engaging with grade-level content. Instead, students benefit most when language instruction is embedded within meaningful reading, writing, speaking, and listening experiences.
Whether you’re teaching reading, science, social studies, or writing, this episode is packed with practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners in your classroom.
In this episode, we’ll discuss classroom procedures:
- Why the term multilingual learner better reflects students’ strengths and abilities
- Common myths and misconceptions about supporting multilingual learners
- The difference between social language and academic language
- Why academic language is essential for literacy and content-area success
- How to provide grade-level instruction while supporting language development
- Practical ways to integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing into daily lessons
- Strategies for leveraging students’ background knowledge and experiences during instruction
If you’re looking for actionable ideas to strengthen literacy instruction for multilingual learners and create a more inclusive classroom, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources Mentioned:
- SIOP® (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol)
- Dr. Jana Echevarría
- Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez
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The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support your at any part of your teaching journey. Each episode is designed to empower upper elementary teachers to simplify lesson planning, strengthen classroom routines, and build confident, capable readers without burnout. Every episode is full of teacher tips! Teaching doesn’t have to feel overwhelming to be effective. With practical strategies, honest conversations, and systems that work in real classrooms, you can protect your energy while still delivering meaningful instruction. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with encouragement and actionable ideas to support your literacy block all year long.
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